• Saint Laurent Boulevard - Meet your guide near the intersection of St. Laurent Blvd./Ste. Catherine St., right in the heart of Montreal’s old Red Light District. Explore the surrounding vicinity and hear the fascinating stories of the illicit activities that used to mark this area of town.
• Quartier des Spectacles - Explore the Quartier des Spectacles - Montreal’s Entertainment District. Following prohibition, the booze flowed freely in this area and it became a hotspot for cabarets and nightclubs. Hear the riveting stories of Montreal nights from the 1920s to the 1950s.

• Local, certified guide with the mandatory city guide permit
• Recommendations of things to see/do/eat in Montreal curated by MTL Detours founder Lesley
• MTL Detours is a 100% locally owned and operated small independent tour company
• Exclusive small-group of only 10 people
• Unique parting gifts

• Gratuities - tips are optional but very appreciated
• Hotel pick-up or drop-off. All guests must make their way to our meeting location on their own.

While prohibition put a damper on the early 20th century in the USA and elsewhere in Canada, the booze kept flowing freely in Montreal and it quickly became known as “Sin City” and “Paris of the North”. Visitors flocked here to indulge in the notorious nightlife and raucous times. Whatever the vice or pleasure, it could be found in Montreal. Our cabarets and jazz clubs attracted talented musicians the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, amongst others. This history walking tour will enthrall you with stories about local institutions and the cast of characters that frequented them. Performers, mobsters, street workers, and cops all rubbed elbows in the old Red Light District. Hear about the transformation of the district into the Quartier des Spectacles: home to Montreal’s world-famous International Jazz Festival. Join MTL Detours to learn about this era in the unique city of Montreal! Note that portions of this tour goes through off-the-beaten path and non-touristy areas.

• Minimum age to attend is 18+ years old.
• This tour is owned and operated by MTL Detours Walking Tours mtldetours.ca - the same team behind the bestselling “Explore Old Montreal” walking tour.
• Most of the tour is walking or standing with limited places to sit.
• Not recommended for travelers with mobility restrictions or other impairments

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.